Naphthalenyloxy substituted carboxylic acids

ABSTRACT

Compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen or lower alkyl, X is hydrogen or halogen, and A is the group ##STR2## wherein R 1  is hydrogen, acyl or lower alkyl, R 2  is hydrogen or lower alkyl, m is an integer from 2 to 4, n is an integer from 1 to 3, and t is an integer from 1 to 5, provided that R 1  is adjacent to --(CH 2 ) m  [O(CH 2 ) m  ] n  O--, and, when R 2  is hydrogen, salts thereof with pharmaceutically acceptable bases, are described. The compounds of formula I are useful as agents for the treatment of allergic conditions.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to compounds of the formula ##STR3## wherein R ishydrogen or lower alkyl, X is hydrogen or halogen, and A is ##STR4##wherein R₁ is hydrogen, acyl or lower alkyl, R₂ is hydrogen or loweralkyl, m is an integer from 2 to 4, n is an integer from 1 to 3, and tis an integer from 1 to 5, provided that R₁ is adjacent to --(CH₂)_(m)[O(CH₂)_(m) ]_(n) O--, and, when R₂ is hydrogen, salts thereof withpharmaceutically acceptable bases. The compounds of formula I are usefulas agents for the treatment of allergic conditions.

In another aspect, the invention relates to intermediates of theformulas ##STR5## wherein HAL, R₁, R₂, m, n and t are previouslydescribed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, the term "lower alkyl" denotes a straight or branchedchain saturated hydrocarbon containing 1 to 7 carbon atoms, for example,methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, t-butyl, neopentyl, pentyl,heptyl and the like. The term "halogen" denotes all the halogens, thatis, bromine, chlorine, fluorine and iodine. The term "acyl" denotes an"alkanoyl" group derived from a aliphatic carboxylic acid of 1 to 7carbon atoms, for example, formyl, acetyl, propionyl, and the like; andan "aroyl" group derived from an aromatic carboxylic acid, such asbenzoyl and the like.

The invention relates to compounds of the formula ##STR6## wherein R ishydrogen or lower alkyl, X is hydrogen or halogen, and A is the group##STR7## wherein R₁ is hydrogen, acyl or lower alkyl, R₂ is hydrogen orlower alkyl, n is an integer from 2 to 4, n is an integer from 1 to 3,and t is an integer from 1 to 5, provided that R₁ is adjacent to--(CH₂)_(m) [O(CH₂)_(m) ]_(n) O--, and, when R₂ is hydrogen, saltsthereof with pharmaceutically acceptable bases.

A preferred group of compounds of formula I are those in which A is##STR8## and X is hydrogen, R is lower alkyl, R₁ is alkanoyl, and R₂ ishydrogen.

A more preferred group of compounds of formula I are those in which A isas immediately above, and X is hydrogen, R is propyl, R₁ is acetyl, R₂is hydrogen, m is 2 or 3, and t is 1 or 3.

A most preferred group of compounds of formula I are those in which A is##STR9## and X is hydrogen, R is propyl, R₂ is hydrogen, m is 2 or 3,and t is 1 or 3.

Preferred compounds of formula I are:

[[8-Acetyl-7-[3-[3-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)propoxy]propoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid;

[[8-Acetyl-7-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid;

[[8-Acetyl-7-[2-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid;

[[8-Acetyl-7-[2-[2-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propyphenoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid; and

4-[[8-Acetyl-7-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]butanoicacid.

Exemplary of compounds of formula I are:

3-[[8-Acetyl-7-[3-[3-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)propoxy]propoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]propanoicacid;

4-[[8-Acetyl-7-[3-[3-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)propoxy]propoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]butanoicacid;

6-[[8-Acetyl-7-[3-[3-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)propoxy]propoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]hexanoicacid;

3-[[8-Acetyl-7-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]propanoicacid;

5-[[8-Acetyl-7-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]pentanoicacid;

3-[[8-Acetyl-7-[2-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]propanoicacid;

4-[[8-Acetyl-7-[2-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]butanoicacid;

3-[[8-Acetyl-7-[2-[2-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]propanoicacid;

4-[[8-Acetyl-7-[2-[2-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]butanoicacid;

[[7-[2-[2-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid;

[[7-[2-[2-[2-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid;

[[7-[2-[2-[2-[2-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid;

[[4-[2-[2-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid;

[[4-[2-[2-[2-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid;

[[5-[2-[2-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]-1-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid;

[[5-[2-[2-[2-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]-1-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid;

[[5-[2-[2-[2-[2-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]-1-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid;

[[4-[2-[2-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]-1-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid;

[[4-[2-[2-[2-[2-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]-1-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid;

[[3-Acetyl-4-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]-1-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid;

[[3-Acetyl-4-[2-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]-1-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid;

[[6-Acetyl-5-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]-1-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid;

[[6-Acetyl-5-[2-[2-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]-1-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid;

[[6-Acetyl-5-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid;

[[6-Acetyl-5-[2-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid;

[[7-acetyl-8-[3-[3-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)propoxy]propoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid;

[[7-acetyl-8-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)propoxy]propoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid; and the like.

In accordance with the invention, the compounds of formula I can beprepared as set forth in Reaction Schemes I and II. ##STR10## wherein R,R₁, m, n, t and X are as previously described, and R₂ ' is lower alkyland HAL is halogen.

In Reaction Scheme I, the reaction of a compound of formula II, whichare known compounds or can be prepared according to known procedures,with a compound of formula IIIa to yield a compound of formula Ia iscarried out under anhydrous conditions in an inert solvent, for example,acetone, methylethyl ketone, diethyl ketone, dimethylformamide or thelike, at the reflux temperature of the reaction mixture, indimethylformamide, preferably at a temperature in the range of 70°-100°C., and in the presence of an acid acceptor, for example, potassiumcarbonate or the like. The preferred solvent is a mixture of acetone anddimethylformamide. The resulting compound of formula Ia can be recoveredutilizing conventional methods, for example, crystallization,chromatography or the like.

A resulting compound of formula Ia can be converted to a compound offormula Ib by hydrolysis which is carried out with an alkali metalhydroxide, for example, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide or thelike, in a mixture of water and a water miscible alcohol, for example,methanol, ethanol or the like, at a temperature in the range of fromabout room temperature to the reflux temperature. The resulting compoundof formula Ib can be recovered utilizing conventional methods, forexample, crystallization, chromatography or the like. ##STR11## whereinR, R₁, R₂ ', m, n, t, X and HAL are as previously described.

In Reaction Scheme II, the reaction of a compound of formula II with acompound of formula IIIb to yield a compound of formula Ic is carriedout under anhydrous conditions in an inert solvent, for example,acetone, methylethyl ketone, diethyl ketone, dimethylformamide or thelike, at the reflux temperature of the reaction mixture, indimethylformamide, preferably at a temperature in the range of 70°-100°C., and in the presence of an acid acceptor, for example, potassiumcarbonate or the like. The preferred solvent is a mixture of acetone anddimethylformamide. The resulting compound of formula Ic can be recoveredutilizing conventional methods, for example, crystallization,chromatography or the like.

A resulting compound of formula Ic can be converted to a compound offormula Id by hydrolysis which is carried out with an alkali metalhydroxide, for example, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide or thelike, in a mixture of water and a water miscible alcohol, for example,methanol, ethanol or the like, at a temperature in the range of fromabout room temperature to the reflux temperature. The resulting compoundof formula Id can be recovered utilizing conventional methods, forexample, crystallization, chromatography or the like.

The starting materials for the preparation of the compounds of formula Ican be prepared according to Reaction Schemes III, IV, V and VI whichfollow: ##STR12## wherein R₁, R₂ ', m, n, t and HAL are as previouslydescribed.

In Reaction Scheme III, the reaction of a compound of formula IV, whichcompounds are known or can be prepared by known procedures, with acompound of formula V to yield a compound of formula IIIa can be carriedout under anhydrous conditions in an inert solvent, for example,acetone, methylethyl ketone, diethyl ketone, dimethylformamide or thelike, at the reflux temperature of the reaction mixture, indimethylformamide, preferably at a temperature in the range of 70°-100°C., and in the presence of an acid acceptor, for example, potassiumcarbonate or the like. The preferred solvent is a mixture of acetone anddimethylformamide. The resulting compound of formula IIIa can berecovered utilizing conventional methods, for example, crystallization,chromatography or the like.

A preferred set of reaction conditions involves the use of sodiumhydride as the base in an anhydrous, inert solvent such asdimethylformamide at a temperature in the range of 25°-70°. ##STR13##wherein R₁, R₂ ', m, n, t and HAL are as previously described.

In Reaction Scheme IV, the reaction of a compound of formula IV, whichcompounds are known or can be prepared by known procedures, with acompound of formula VI to yield a compound of formula IIIb can becarried out under anhydrous conditions in an inert solvent, for example,acetone, methylethyl ketone, diethyl ketone, dimethylformamide or thelike, at the reflux temperature of the reaction mixture, indimethylformamide, preferably at a temperature in the range of 70°-100°C., and in the presence of an acid acceptor, for example, potassiumcarbonate or the like. The preferred solvent is a mixture of acetone anddimethylformamide. The resulting compound of formula IIIb can berecovered utilizing conventional methods, for example, crystallization,chromatography or the like.

A preferred set of reaction conditions involves the use of sodiumhydride as the base in an anhydrous, inert solvent such asdimethylformamide at a temperature in the range of 25°-70°. ##STR14##wherein R₂ ' and t are as previously described, and R₁ ' is acyl.

In Reaction Scheme V, the reaction of a compound of formula VII, whichare known compounds or can be prepared according to known procedures,with a compound of formula VII, which are known compounds or can beprepared according to known procedures, to yield a compound of formulaIX is carried out under anhydrous conditions in an inert solvent, forexample, acetone, methylethyl ketone, diethyl ketone, dimethylformamideor the like, preferably at a temperature in the range of 25°-70° C., andin the presence or an acid acceptor, for example, potassium carbonate orthe like. The resulting compound of formula IX can be recoveredutilizing conventional methods, for example, crystallization,chromatography or the like.

A resulting compound of formula IX can be converted to a compound offormula V by reaction with an alkanoyl halide such as acetyl chlorideand an aluminum halide such as aluminum chloride in an inert solventsuch as dichloroethane nitromethane or the like at a temperature in therange of 25°-70° C. The resulting compound of formula V can be recoveredusing conventional methods, for example, crystallization, chromatographyor the like. Alternatively a compound of formula IX can be converted toa compound of formula XI by reaction with an allyl halide, such as allylbromide, and an alkali metal carbonate, such as potassium carbonate inan inert solvent, for example, acetone or methylethyl ketone, at atemperature in the range of 25°-70° C. The resulting product of formulaXI can be recovered using conventional methods.

A compound of formula XI can also be prepared by reaction of a compoundof formula VII with an allyl halide and an alkali metal carbonate inacetone. The resulting product of formula X can be recovered byconventional methods. A compound of formula X can be converted to acompound of formula XI by reaction with compound VIII in an inertsolvent such as acetone and using a base such as potassium carbonate atthe reflux temperature of the solvent. The resulting compound of formulaXI can be recovered by conventional means.

A compound of formula XI can be rearranged to a compound of formula XIIby heating at a temperature of the range of 170°-200° C., either withoutsolvent or using a solvent such as diethylaniline. The resulting productof formula XII can be recovered using conventional methods.

A compound of formula XII can be converted to a compound of formula Vaby shaking in an inert solvent such as ethyl acetate in a hydrogenatmosphere in the presence of a catalyst such as palladium on carbon.The resulting compound of formula Va can be recovered by conventionalmeans. ##STR15##

In Reaction Scheme VI, the reaction of a compound of formula XIII, whichare a known compounds, with a compound of formula VIII is carried outunder anhydrous conditions in an inert solvent such as acetone ormethylethyl ketone, at a temperature in the range of 25°-70° C., in thepresence of a base such as potassium carbonate or the like. Theresulting compound of formula XIV can be recovered using conventionalmethods.

A compound of formula XIV can be converted to a compound of formula VIby reaction with an alkanoyl halide, such as acetyl chloride and analuminum halide, such as aluminum chloride, in an inert solvent such asdichloroethane or nitromethane, at a temperature in the range of 25°-70°C. The product of formula VI can be recovered by conventional means.Alternatively, a compound of formula XIV can be converted to a compoundof formula XV by reaction with an allyl halide, such as allyl bromide,and an alkali metal carbonate, such as potassium carbonate, in an inertsolvent, for example, acetone, at a temperature in the range of 25°-70°C. The resulting compound of formula XV can be recovered usingconventional methods.

A compound of formula XV can be rearranged to a compound of formula XVIby heating at a temperature in the range of 170°-200° C. either withoutsolvent or using a solvent such as diethylaniline. The resulting productof formula XVI can be recovered by conventional means. A compound offormula XVI can be converted to a compound of formula VIa by shaking inan inert solvent such as ethyl acetate, in a hydrogen atmosphere in thepresence of a catalyst such as palladium on carbon. The resultingcompound of formula VIa can be recovered by conventional means.

Alternatively, the intermediates of formula V can be prepared byreacting a dihydroxynaphthalene of formula VII, which are knowncompounds or can be prepared according to known procedures, with an acylhalide under Friedel-Crafts conditions to provide anortho-acyldihydroxynaphthalene. The ortho-acyldihydroxynaphthalene canthen be reacted with a halo ester of formula VIII to give a compound offormula V wherein R₁ is acyl. Compounds of formula V wherein R₁ is loweralkyl are known compounds or can be prepared according to knownprocedures.

Intermediates of formula VI can be prepared by reacting adihydroxynaphthalene of formula XIII, which are known compounds or canbe prepared according to known procedures, with an acyl halide underFriedel-Crafts conditions to provide an acyl dihydroxynaphthalene. Thisacyl dihydroxynaphthalene can then be reacted with a halo esters offormula VIII to give a compound of formula VI wherein R₁ is acyl.Compounds of formula VI wherein R₁ is lower alkyl are known compounds orcan be prepared according to known procedures.

This invention also relates to the pharmaceutically acceptable salts ofthe naphthalenyloxy carboxylic acid derivatives of formula I, wherein R₂is hydrogen. Said salts can be prepared by reacting an acid of formula Iwith a base having a non-toxic, pharmacologically and pharmaceuticallyacceptable cation. In general, any base which will form a salt with acarboxylic acid and whose pharmacological properties will not cause anadverse physiological effect when ingested by a warmed blooded anmial isconsidered as being within the scope of this invention. Suitable basesthus include, for example, the alkali metal and alkaline earth metalhydroxides, carbonates, for example, sodium hydroxide, potassiumhydroxide, calcium hydroxide, potassium carbonate and the like, ammonia,primary, secondary and tertiary amines, such as monoalkylamines,dialkylamines, trialkylamines, nitrogen containing heterocyclic amines,for example, piperidine, amino acids such as lysine, and the like. Thepharmaceutically acceptable salts thus produced are the functionalequivalent of the corresponding naphthalenyloxycarboxylic acids offormula I and one skilled in the art will appreciate that, to the extentthat the salts of the invention are useful in therapy, the variety ofsalts encompassed by this invention are limited only by the criterionthat the bases employed in forming the salts be both non-toxic andphysiologically acceptable.

The compounds of formula I of the invention and their pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts are useful in the treatment of disorders in which slowreacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A) is a mediator. The compoundsof formula I and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts are thereforeuseful in the treatment of allergic disorders which include skinafflictions, hay fever, chronic bronchitis, obstructive airways diseasessuch as asthma, allergic conditions of the eye, and allergic conditionsof the gastro-intestinal tract, such as food allergies.

The useful antiallergic activity of the compounds of formula I and theirpharmaceutically acceptable salts is demonstrated in vitro and inwarm-blooded animals utilizing standard procedures. Exemplary of suchprocedures are:

(a) Guinea Pig Ileum, In Vitro:

The guinea pig ileum bioassay system has been described by Orange andAusten, Adv. Immunol. 10: 105-144 (1969). A 1.5 cm segment is removedfrom animals weighing 300-400 g and suspended in an organ bathcontaining 10 ml of Tyrodes solution with 10⁻⁶ M atropine sulfate and10⁻⁶ M pyrilamine maleate. The bath is maintained at 37° C. and aeratedwith a mixture of 95% oxygen and 5% carbon dioxide. The SRS-A utilizedin this screen is obtained by challenging chopped lung fragments fromactively sensitized guinea pigs with egg albumin, in vitro. Adose-response curve to SRS-A challenge is established for the ileum. Thedose of SRS-A which gives 50% of the maximal contraction (EC₅₀) is thenused for subsequent challenge. The drug concentration which inhibits, by50%, the SRS-A-induced constriction of the guinea pig ileum isdetermined. In this bioassay system the standard SRS-A antagonist,7-[3-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)-2-hydroxypropoxy]-4-oxo-8-propyl-4H-1-benzopyran-2-carboxylic acid, has an IC₅₀ of 3.5×10⁻⁸ M.

                  TABLE I                                                         ______________________________________                                                                Guinea Pig                                                                    Ileum                                                 Test                    In Vitro                                              Compound                IC.sub.50 (M)                                         ______________________________________                                        [[8-acetyl-7-[3-[3-(4-acetyl-                                                                         1.5 × 10.sup.-7                                 3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)                                                    propoxy]propoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]                                              oxy] acetic acid                                                              [[8-acetyl-7-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-                                                                         1 × 10.sup.-6                                   3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)                                                    ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]                                                oxy] acetic acid                                                              [[8-acetyl-7-[2-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-                                                                      3 × 10.sup.-7                                   3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)                                                    ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]                                         oxy] acetic acid                                                              [[8-acetyl-7-[2-[2-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-                                                                   1 × 10.sup.-7                                   3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)                                                    ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-                                               naphthalenyl]oxy] acetic acid                                                 4-[[8-acetyl-7-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-                                                                     7 × 10.sup.-7                                   hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]                                               ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]butanoic acid                                      ______________________________________                                    

A compound of formula I or a salt thereof when R₂ is hydrogen, or acomposition containing a therapeutically effective amount of a compoundof formula I or a salt thereof, when R₂ is hydrogen, can be administeredby methods well known in the art. Thus, a compound of formula I, or asalt thereof when R₂ is hydrogen, can be administered either singly orwith other pharmaceutical agents, for example, antihistamines, mediatorrelease inhibitors, methyl xanthines, B₂ agonists or antiasthmaticsteroids which as prednisone and prednisolone, orally, parenterally,rectally or by inhalation, for example, in the form of an aerosol,micropulverized powder or nebulized solution. For oral administrationthey can be administered in the form of tablets, capsules, for example,in admixture with talc, starch, milk sugar or other inert ingredients,that is, pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, or in the form of aqueoussolutions, suspensions, elixirs or aqueous alcoholic solutions, forexsmple, in admixture with sugar or other sweetening agents, flavoringagents, colorants, thickeners and other conventional pharmaceuticalexcipients. For parenteral administration, they can be administered insolutions or suspension, for example, as an aqueous or peanut oilsolution or suspension using excipients and carriers conventional forthis mode of administration. For administration as aerosols, they can bedissolved in a suitable pharmaceutically acceptable solvent, forexample, ethyl alcohol or combinations of miscible solvents, and mixedwith a pharmaceutically acceptable propellant. Such aerosol compositionsare packaged for use in a pressurized container fitted with an aerosolvalve suitable for release of the pressurized composition. Preferably,the aerosol valve is a metered valve, that is one which on activationreleases a predetermined effective dose of the aerosol composition.

In the practice of the invention, the dose of a compound of formula I ora salt thereof when R₂ is hydrogen to be administered and the frequencyof administration will be dependent on the potency and duration ofactivity of the particular compound of formula I or salt to beadministered and on the route of administration, as well as the severityof the condition, age of the mammal to be treated and the like. Doses ofa compound of formula I or a salt thereof when R₂ is hydrogencontemplated for use in practicing the invention are in the range offrom about 25 to about 1000 mg per day, preferably about 25 to about 250mg either as a single dose or in divided doses per day.

The Examples which follow further illustrate the invention. Alltemperatures are in degrees centigrade, unless otherwise stated.

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation Of [(7-Hydroxy-2-Naphthalenyl)Oxy]Acetic AcidMethyl Ester

A mixture of 32 g of 2,7-dihydroxynaphthalene and 36 g of anhydrouspotassium carbonate in 250 ml of anhydrous acetone was stirred at 22°for 2 hours and 40 minutes. Methyl bromoacetate (20.8 ml) was added andstirring at room temperature was continued for 19 hours. The reactionmixture was filtered and the solid was washed well with acetone. Thefiltrate was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was acidified andextracted with methylene chloride. The methylene chloride extract waswashed with 1N sodium hydroxide (3×200 ml). The combined aqueous extractwas left at room temperature for 16 hours and then acidified andextracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washed with saturatedsodium bicarbonate solution. The insoluble sodium salt which formed wasfiltered, combined with the aqueous layer and acidified. The product wasextracted with ethyl acetate and the dried (magnesium sulfate) extractwas concentrated in vacuo to a solid (17 g). This was esterified byrefluxing in 300 ml of methanol containing 4 ml of concentrated sulfuricacid for 5.5 hours. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue wastaken up in methylene chloride and washed with sodium bicarbonatesolution. The methylene chloride was removed in vacuo and the residuewas crystallized from methylene chloride-hexane to give 12.8 g, mp122°-123°, of [(7-hydroxy-2-naphthalenyl)oxy]acetic acid methyl ester.An additional 2.3 g was obtained by chromatography of the filtrate on200 g of silica gel using 10% ethyl acetate toluene. The total yield was33%.

EXAMPLE 2 Preparation of [(8-acetyl-7-hydroxy-2-naphthalenyl)oxy]aceticacid methyl ester

To a mixture of 5.8 g of aluminum chloride in 100 ml of dichloroethanewas added 3.1 ml of acetyl chloride followed by 8.0938 g of[(7-hydroxy-2-naphthalenyl)oxy]acetic acid methyl ester. The mixture wasstirred at room temperature for 2 hours and then at reflux for 19 hours.The reaction mixture was cooled, 100 ml of 6 N hydrochloric acid wasadded and, after shaking well, the product was extracted with methylenechloride. The extract was washed with sodium bicarbonate solution, dried(magnesium sulfate) and concentrated in vacuo to a solid which wasrecrystallized from methylene chloride-ether to give 6.030 g (63%yield), mp 113°-114°, of [(8-acetyl-7-hydroxy-2-naphthalenyl)oxy]aceticacid methyl ester. An additional 0.878 g of product was obtained onconcentration of the filtrate to a smaller volume.

EXAMPLE 3 Preparation of[[8-acetyl-7-[3-(3-bromopropoxy)propoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]acetic acidmethyl ester

Under an argon atmosphere, 1 g of[8-acetyl-7-hydroxy-2-naphthalenyl)oxy]acetic acid methyl ester wasadded to a suspension of 0.16 g of 60% sodium hydride in 15 ml ofanhydrous dimethylformamide. The mixture was stirred at room temperaturefor 40 minutes and then 4.75 g of bis(3-bromopropyl)ether was added. Themixture was stirred at room temperature for 20 hours. The mixture wasconcentrated in vacuo to an oil which was dissolved in ethyl acetate,washed with water and concentrated to give an oil which was purified bycolumn chromatography using 7.5% ethyl acetate-toluene to yield 1 g(60%) of [[8-acetyl-7-[3-(3-bromopropoxy)propoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester as an oil.

EXAMPLE 4 Preparation of[[8-acetyl-7-[3-[3-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)propoxy]propoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid methyl ester

A mixture of 1.73 g of[[8-acetyl-7-[3-(3-bromopropoxy)propoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]acetic acidmethyl ester, 0.89 g of 1-(2,4-dihydroxy-3-propylphenyl)ethanone and0.79 g of anhydrous potassium carbonate in 33 ml of anhydrous acetoneand 11 ml of anhydrous dimethylformamide was stirred at reflux for 18hours. The mixture was filtered and filtrate was concentrated in vacuoto an oil. Purification by high pressure liquid chromatography (10%ethyl acetate-toluene) gave 1.2 g (56%) of[[8-acetyl-7-[3-[3-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)propoxy]propoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid methyl ester.

EXAMPLE 5 Preparation of[[8-acetyl-7-[3-[3-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)propoxy]propoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid

A mixture of 1.2 g of[[8-acetyl-7-[3-[3-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)propoxy]propoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid methyl ester and 21 ml of 1N sodium hydroxide in 42 ml of methanolwas stirred at reflux for 1 hour. The methanol was removed in vacuo andthe aqueous solution was washed with ethyl acetate. The aqueous layerwas acidified with 3N hydrochloric acid to pH 3 and the oil wasextracted with chloroform. The extract was dried (magnesium sulfate) andconcentrated to give an oil which was triturated with ether-cyclohexaneand filtered to yield 0.85 g, mp 101°-104° C. (73%) of[[8-acetyl-7-[3-[3-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)propoxy]propoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid.

EXAMPLE 6 Preparation of[[8-acetyl-7-[2-(2-bromoethoxy)ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]acetic acidmethyl ester

Under an argon atmosphere, 2 g of[[8-acetyl-7-hydroxy-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester wasadded to a suspension of 0.32 g of 60% sodium hydride in 30 ml ofanhydrous dimethylformamide. The mixture was stirred at room temperaturefor 30 minutes and then 8.5 g of bis-(2-bromoethyl)ether was added andthe mixture was stirred at room temperature for 20 hours. The solventwas removed and residual oil was purified by high pressure liquidchromatography using 7% ethyl acetate-toluene to yield 2.4 g (77%) of[[8-acetyl-7-[2-(2-bromoethoxy)ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]acetic acidmethyl ester as an oil.

EXAMPLE 7 Preparation of[[8-acetyl-7-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid methyl ester

A mixture of 2.4 g of[[8-acetyl-7-[2-[2-bromoethoxy)ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]acetic acidmethyl ester, 1.32 g of 1-(2,4-dihydroxy-3-propylphenyl)-ethanone and1.17 g of anhydrous potassium carbonate in 48 ml of anhydrous acetoneand 16 ml of anhydrous dimethylformamide was stirred at reflux for 18hours. The mixture was filtered and filtrate was concentrated to an oil.The oil was purified by flash column chromatography (10% ethylacetate-toluene) to yield 2.3 g, mp. 89°-90° C. (76%) of[[8-acetyl-7-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid methyl ester.

EXAMPLE 8 Preparation of[[8-acetyl-7-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid

A suspension of 2.3 g of[[8-acetyl-7-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid methyl ester and 43 ml of 1N sodium hydroxide in 86 ml of methanolwas stirred at reflux for 1 hour. The methanol was removed and aqueoussolution was acidified to pH 3. The precipitate was extracted withmethylene chloride, washed with water, dried (magnesium sulfate) andconcentrated in vacuo to give an oil. The oil was triturated with etherto yield 1.9 g, mp 121°-122° C. (84%) of[[8-acetyl-7-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid.

EXAMPLE 9 Preparation of[[8-acetyl-7-[2-[2-(2-bromoethoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid methyl ester

Under an argon atmosphere, 2 g of [(8-acetyl-7-hydroxy-2-naphthalenyl)oxy]acetic acid methyl ester was added to a suspension of0.38 g of 60% sodium hydride in 30 ml of anhydrous dimethylformamide.The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 40 minutes and then 10 gof bis-(2-bromoethoxy)ethane was added and the mixture was stirred atroom temperature for 4 hours. The solvent was removed in vacuo and theresidue was dissolved in ethyl acetate, washed with water, dried(magnesium sulfate) and concentrated to give an oil which was purifiedby high pressure liquid chromatography (45% ethyl acetate-hexane) toyield 2 g (58%) of[[8-acetyl-7-[2-[2-(2-bromoethoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid methyl ester as an oil.

EXAMPLE 10 Preparation of[[8-acetyl-7-[2-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid methyl ester

A mixture of 2 g of[[8-acetyl-7-[2-[2-(2-bromoethoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid methyl ester, 1.0 g of 1-(2,4-dihydroxy-3-propylphenyl)ethanone and0.9 g of anhydrous potassium carbonate in 40 ml of anhydrous acetone and14 ml of anhydrous dimethylformamide was stirred at reflux for 16 hours.The solvent was removed in vacuo and residue was dissolved in ethylacetate, washed with water, dried (magnesium sulfate) and concentratedin vacuo to give an oil which was purified by high pressure liquidchromatography (60% ethyl acetate-hexane) to yield 1.8 g (73%) of[[8-acetyl-7-[2-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid methyl ester as an oil.

EXAMPLE 11 Preparation of[[8-acetyl-7-[2-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]acetic acid

A solution of 1.8 g of[[8-acetyl-7-[2-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid methyl ester and 31 ml of 1N sodium hydroxide in 60 ml of methanolwas stirred at reflux for 1 hour. The methanol was removed in vacuo andthe aqeuous solution was acidified to pH 3. The gummy precipitate wasextracted with methylene chloride, washed with water, dried (magnesiumsulfate) and concentrated in vacuo to give an oil which was trituratedwith ether to yield 1.56 g, m.p. 110°-111° C. (89%) of[[8-acetyl-7-[2-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid.

EXAMPLE 12 Preparation of[[8-acetyl-7-[2-[2-[2-(2-bromoethoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid methyl ester

Under an argon atmosphere, 2 g of[(8-acetyl-7-hydroxy-2-naphthalenyl)oxy]acetic acid methyl ester wasadded to a suspension of 0.32 g of 60% sodium hydride in 30 ml ofanhydrous dimethylformamide. The mixture was stirred at room temperaturefor 40 minutes and then 11.6 g of bis[2-[2-bromoethoxy] ether was addedand the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 20 hours. Theresulting dark mixture was concentrated in vacuo to an oil which wasdissolved in methylene chloride, washed with water and concentrated togive an oil. Purification by high pressure liquid chromatography (35%ethyl acetate-toluene) gave 3.0 g (80%) of[[8-acetyl-7-[2-[2-[2-(2-bromoethoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid methyl ester as an oil.

EXAMPLE 13 Preparation of[[8-acetyl-7-[2-[2-[2-(2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester

A mixture of 3 g of[[8-acetyl-7-[2-[2-[2-[2-bromoethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid methyl ester, 1.36 g of 1-(2,4-dihydroxy-3-propylphenyl) ethanoneand 1.2 g of anhydrous potassium carbonate in 60 ml of anhydrous acetoneand 20 ml of anhydrous dimethylformamide was stirred at reflux for 18hours. The mixture was filtered and filtrate was concentrated in vacuoto an oil which was purified by high pressure liquid chromatography (35%ethyl acetate-toluene) to yield 3 g (82%) of[[8-acetyl-7-[2-[2-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid methyl ester as an oil.

EXAMPLE 14 Preparation of[[8-acetyl-7-[2-[2-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid

A mixture of 3 g of[[8-acetyl-7-[2-[2-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid methyl ester and 48 ml of 1N sodium hydroxide in 96 ml of methanolwas stirred at reflux for 1 hour. The methanol was removed in vacuo, theaqueous solution was acidified to pH 3 and extracted with methylenechloride. The extract was concentrated to yield an oil which waspurified by flash column chromatography (10% methanol-methylenechloride) to give 2.55 g of an oil which was crystallized fromether-ethyl acetate-hexane to yield 1.93 g, m.p. 57°-58° C., (66%) of[[8-acetyl-7-[2-[2-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid.

EXAMPLE 15 Preparation of 4-[(7-hydroxy-2-naphthalenyl)oxy]butanoic acidmethyl ester

A mixture of 32 g of 2,7-dihydroxynaphthalene and 36 g of potassiumcarbonate in 250 ml of anhydrous acetone was stirred at room temperaturefor 1 hour. Ethyl 4-bromobutyrate (31.5 ml) was added and stirring wascontinued at reflux for 29 hours. The reaction mixture was filtered andthe solid was washed well with acetone. The filtrate was concentrated invacuo and the residue was acidified and extracted with methylenechloride. The extract was washed with two 500 ml portions of 0.5N sodiumhydroxide. The combined aqueous layer was left at room temperature for16 hours and then acidified and extracted with ethyl acetate. The ethylacetate extract was washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution.The sodium bicarbonate layer was acidified and extracted with ethylacetate and the dried (magnesium sulfate) extract was concentrated invacuo to a dark solid. This was esterified by refluxing in 300 ml ofmethanol and 4 ml of concentrated sulfuric acid for 6 hours. Themethanol was removed in vacuo and the solid residue was recrystallizedfrom methylene chloride-hexane to give 11.70 g (23% yield), mp 122°-125°, of 4-[(7-hydroxy-2-naphthalenyl)oxy]butanoic acid methyl ester.

EXAMPLE 16 Preparation of4-[(8-acetyl-7-hydroxy-2-naphthalenyl)oxy]butanoic acid methyl ester

Under argon, 2.8 ml of acetyl chloride was added to a suspension of 5.15g of aluminum chloride in 120 ml of dichloroethane and then 8 g of4-[(7-hydroxy-2-naphthalenyl)oxy] butanoic acid methyl ester was added.The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes andat reflux for 16 hours. The solution was filtered and the dark residuewas broken up with 3N hydrochloric acid and extracted with methylenechloride. The filtrate was combined with the methylene chloride extract,washed and dried to give a black oil which was purified by high pressureliquid chromatography, eluting with 2% ethyl acetate/toluene to yield2.72 g, (29%) of 4-[(8-acetyl-7-hydroxy-2-naphthalenyl)oxy] butanoicacid methyl ester as an oil.

EXAMPLE 17 Preparation of [(4-hydroxy-2-naphthalenyl)oxy]acetic acidmethyl ester

A mixture of 1.5180 g of 1,3-dihydroxynaphthalene and 1.70 g ofanhydrous potassium carbonate in 10 ml of anhydrous acetone was stirredat room temperature for 1 hour. Methyl bromoacetate (0.91 ml) was addedand stirring at room temperature was continued for 50 hours. The solventwas removed in vacuo and the residue was acidified and extracted withethyl acetate. The dried (magnesium sulfate) extract was concentrated invacuo and the product was purified by high pressure liquidchromatography using 20% ethyl acetate-toluene to give 0.419 g (19%yield) of [(4-hydroxy-2-naphthalenyl)oxy]acetic acid methyl ester as anoil.

EXAMPLE 18 Preparation of [(4-hydroxy-1-naphthalenyl)oxy]acetic acidmethyl ester

A mixture of 16.0 g of 1,4-dihydroxynaphthalene and 18 g of anhydrouspotassium carbonate in 100 ml of anhydrous acetone was stirred at roomtemperature for 2 hours. Methyl bromoacetate (10.5 ml) was added and thereaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 hours and thenat reflux for 3 hours. The solvent was removed in vacuo, water anddilute hydrochloric acid were added to the residue and the products wereextracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washed with 1N sodiumhydroxide (3×100 ml). The combined aqueous extract was left at roomtemperature for 3 days and then acidified and extracted with ethylacetate. The extract was washed with saturated sodium hydrogen carbonatesolution and the aqueous layer was acidified. Extraction with ethylacetate and concentration in vacuo of the dried (magnesium sulfate)extract gave 10.7 g of dark solid. This was esterified by refluxing in150 ml of methanol with 1.8 ml of concentrated sulfuric acid for 5hours. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was taken up inethyl acetate and washed with sodium hydrogen carbonate solution. Afterconcentration in vacuo, the residue was purified by chromatography on250 g of silica gel. Elution with 5% ethyl acetate-toluene gave 2.7 g ofbrown solid which was further purified by passing an ether solutionthrough a column of 200 g of acidic alumina (activity III).Concentration of the ether eluent gave 2.5 g (11% yield), mp 127°-131°,of [(4-hydroxy-1-naphthalenyl)oxy]acetic acid methyl ester.

EXAMPLE 19 Preparation of [(3-acetyl-4-hydroxy-1-naphthalenyl)oxy]aceticacid methyl ester

A mixture of 0.36 g of 2-acetylnaphthalene-1,4-diol and 0.35 g ofanhydrous potassium carbonate in 10 ml of anhydrous acetone was stirredat room temperature for 1 hour. Methyl bromoacetate (0.17 ml) was addedand stirring was continued for 66 hours. The solvent was removed invacuo, and the residue was acidified and extracted with ethyl acetate.The dried(magnesium sulfate)extract was concentrated in vacuo and thesolid residue was recrystallized from methanol-methylene chloride togive 0.14 g (29% yield), mp 123°-124°, of[(3-acetyl-4-hydroxy-1-naphthalenyl)oxy]acetic acid methyl ester.

EXAMPLE 20 Preparation of [(5-hydroxy-1-naphthalenyl)oxy]acetic acidmethyl ester

A mixture of 16 g (0.1 mole) of 1,5-dihydroxynaphthalene and 18 g (0.13mole) of anhydrous potassium carbonate in 100 ml of anhydrous acetonewas stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. Methyl bromoacetate (10.5ml, 0.11 mole) was added and stirring at room temperature was continuedfor 18 hours and then at reflux for 3 hours. The solvent was removed invacuo, the residue was acidified and the product was extracted withethyl acetate. The extract was washed with 1N sodium hydroxide (3×100ml) and the aqueous layer was left at room temperature for 16 hours. Thesolution was acidified and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract waswashed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and the aqueous layerwas acidified and extracted with ethyl acetate. The dried (magnesiumsulfate) extract was concentrated in vacuo to a solid which wasesterified by refluxing 3 hours in 100 ml of methanol and 1.5 ml ofconcentrated sulfuric acid. The solvent was removed in vacuo and theresidue was taken up in methylene chloride and washed with 5% sodiumbicarbonate solution. The dried (magnesium sulfate) extract wasconcentrated in vacuo to a dark solid which was chromatographed on 100 gof silica gel. Elution with 25% ethyl acetate-hexane andrecrystallization of the pure fractions from methylene chloride-hexanegave 2.3 g (10% yield), mp 177°-179°, of[(5-hydroxy-1-naphthalenyl)oxyl]acetic acid methyl ester.

EXAMPLE 21 Preparation of [(6-acetyl-5-hydroxy-1-naphthalenyl)oxy]aceticacid methyl ester

To a suspension of 0.887 mg of [(5-hydroxy-1-naphthalenyl)oxy]aceticacid methyl ester in 20 ml of anhydrous nitromethane cooled in an icebath was added 0.52 ml of stannic chloride. This dark solution wasstirred 5 minutes and then 0.33 ml of acetyl chloride was added. Thecooling bath was allowed to warm slowly to 15° while stirring of thereaction mixture was continued for 2.5 hours. Ice and 6N hydrochloricacid were added and the product was extracted with ethyl acetate. Theextract was washed with sodium bicarbonate solution, dried (magnesiumsulfate) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on100 g of silica gel. Elution with 5% ethyl acetate-toluene gave 0.423 g(41% yield), mp 130°-135°, of[(6-acetyl-5-hydroxy-1-naphthalenyl)oxy]acetic acid methyl ester.

EXAMPLE 22 Preparation of 1-(1,6-dihydroxy-2-naphthalenyl)ethanone

To a solution of 8.3 g of aluminum chloride and 3.6 ml of acetylchloride in 60 ml of anhydrous nitromethane at room temperature wasadded 8.0 g of 1,6dihydroxynaphthalene. The reaction mixture was stirredunder argon at 23° for 20 hours and then concentrated in vacuo. Theresidue was treated with 6N hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethylacetate. The extract was washed with sodium bicarbonate solution, dried(magnesium sulfate) and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product waschromatographed on 250 g of silica gel. Elution with 2% ethylacetatetoluene gave 3.6 g (36% yield), mp 195°-200°, of1-(1,6-dihydroxy-2-naphthalenyl)ethanone.

EXAMPLE 23 Preparation of [(6-acetyl-5-hydroxy-2-naphthalenyl)oxy]aceticacid methyl ester

A mixture of 2.81 g of 1-(1,6-dihydroxy-2-naphthalenyl)ethanone and 2.90g of potassium carbonate in 75 ml of anhydrous acetone was stirred at23° for 1 hour. Methyl bromoacetate (1.5 ml) was added and the reactionmixture was stirred at 23° for 18 hours. The solid was removed byfiltration and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The residue wastreated with 1N hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate. Thedried (magnesium sulfate) extract was concentrated in vacuo and thecrude solid was purified by recrystallization from ethyl acetate-hexaneto give 2.30 g (61% yield), mp 118°-120°, of[(6-acetyl-5-hydroxy-2-naphthalenyl)oxy]acetic acid methyl ester.

EXAMPLE 24 Preparation of 1-(1,7-dihydroxy-2-naphthalenyl)ethanone

To 6.75 g of aluminum chloride in 50 ml of anhydrous nitromethane wasadded 2.9 ml of acetyl chloride. To the stirred solution at roomtemperature was added 6.40 g of 1,7-dihydroxynaphthalene and the mixturewas stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. The solvent was removed invacuo and the residue was treated with 6N hydrochloric acid andextracted with methylene chloride. The dried (magnesium sulfate) extractwas chromatographed on 330 g of silica gel. Elution with 20% ethylacetate-toluene gave 6.0 g of orange solid which was recrystallized frommethylene chloride-ether-hexane to give 2.60 g, mp 214°-217°, of1-(1,7-dihydroxy-2-naphthalenyl)ethanone. A second crop of 1.50 g ofpure material was obtained on further concentration making the totalyield 51%.

EXAMPLE 25 Preparation of [(7-acetyl-8-hydroxy-2-naphthalenyl)oxy]aceticacid methyl ester

A mixture of 3.577 g of 1-(1,7-dihydroxy-2-naphthalenyl)ethanone and3.70 g of anhydrous potassium carbonate in 100 ml of anhydrous acetonewas stirred at room temperature for 50 minutes. Methyl bromoacetate (1.7ml) was added and stirring was continued for 18 hours. The reactionmixture was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to aresidue which was acidified and extracted with ethyl acetate. The dried(magnesium sulfate) extract was concentrated in vacuo and the solidresidue was recrystallized from methylene chloride-ether to give 1.87 g,mp 133°-135°, of [(7-acetyl-8-hydroxy-2-naphthalenyl)oxy]acetic acidmethyl ester. A second crop of 0.38 g was obtained making the totalyield 46%.

EXAMPLE 26 Preparation of 7-(2-propenyloxy)-2-naphthalenol

A mixture of 36 g of 2,7-dihydroxynaphthalene and 40 g of anhydrouspotassium carbonate in 250 ml of anhydrous acetone was stirredvigorously at room temperature for 2.5 hours. Allyl bromide (21.9 ml)was added and the mixture was stirred at 23° for 19 hours. The reactionmixture was filtered and the solid was washed well with acetone. Thefiltrate was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was acidified andextracted with methylene chloride. The extract was washed with three 200ml of portions of 1N sodium hydroxide. The combined aqueous layer wasacidified and extracted with methylene chloride. The dried (magnesiumsulfate) extract was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was purifiedby chromatography on 250 g of silica gel. Elution with 10% ethylacetate-toluene gave 17.7 g of somewhat impure product. Crystallizationfrom etherhexane gave 7.9 g, mp 78°-80°, of7-(2-propenyloxy)-2-naphthalenol.

EXAMPLE 27 Preparation of [(7-(2-propenyloxy)-2-naphthalenyl]oxy] aceticacid methyl ester

A mixture of 7.9 g of 7-(2-propenyloxy)-2-naphthalenol and 8.3 g ofpotassium carbonate in 50 ml of anhydrous acetone was stirred at roomtemperature for 1.5 hours. Methyl bromoacetate (4.7 ml) was added andstirring was continued for 18 hours. The reaction mixture was filteredand the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to yield (8.4 g) of[[7-(2-propenyloxy)-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester, mp69°-70° after recrystallization from ether-hexane.

EXAMPLE 28 Preparation of[[7-hydroxy-8-(2-propenyl)-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester

8.414 g of [[7-(2-propenyloxy)-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]acetic acid methylester was heated in an oil bath at 190° for 2 hours and 15 minutes. Thesolid obtained on cooling was recrystallized from methylenechloride-hexane to give 6.41 g (76% yield), mp 128°-130°, of[[7-hydroxy-8-(2-propenyl)-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester.

EXAMPLE 29 Preparation of [(7-hydroxy-8-propyl-2-naphthalenyl)oxy]aceticacid methyl ester

A solution of 6.415 g of[[7-hydroxy-8-(2-propenyl)-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]acetic acid methyl esterin 100 ml of ethyl acetate and 0.7 g of 10% palladium on carbon wasshaken in a Parr hydrogenator at room temperature and an initialpressure of 52 psi for 1 hour. The reaction mixture was filtered throughCelite and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to give 6.25 g (97%yield), mp 122°-124°, of [(7-hydroxy-8-propyl-2-naphthalenyl)oxy]aceticacid methyl ester.

EXAMPLE 30 Preparation of4-[[8-acetyl-7-[2-(2-bromoethoxy)ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]butanoicacid methyl ester

Under an argon atmosphere, 2 g (0.007 mol) of4-[(8-acetyl-7-hydroxy-2-naphthalenyl)oxy]-butanoic acid methyl ester in5 ml of anhydrous dimethylformamide was added to a suspension of 0.29 gof sodium hydride in 25 ml of anhydrous dimethylformamide. The mixturewas stirred at room temperature for 20 minutes and then 7.7 g ofbis-(2-bromoethyl)ether was added and the mixture was stirred at roomtemperature for 20 hours. The solvent was removed and residual oil waspurified by high pressure liquid chromatography using 25% ethylacetate-hexane to yield 1.6 g (54%) of4-[[8-acetyl-7-[2-(2-bromoethoxy)ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]butanoicacid methyl ester as an oil.

EXAMPLE 31 Preparation of4-[[8-acetyl-7-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl)oxy]butanoicacid methyl ester

A mixture of 1.6 g of4-[[8-acetyl-7-[2-(2-bromoethoxy)ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]butanoicacid methyl ester, 0.82 g of 1-(2,4-dihydroxy-3-propylphenyl)-ethanoneand 0.73 g of anhydrous potassium carbonate in 33 ml of anhydrousacetone and 11 ml of anhydrous dimethylformamide was stirred at refluxfor 16 hours. The mixture was filtered and filtrate was concentrated toan oil. The oil was purified by high pressure liquid chromatographyusing 50% ethyl acetate-hexane to give 1.72 g (86%) of4-[[8-acetyl-7-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl)oxy]butanoicacid methyl ester as an oil.

EXAMPLE 32 Preparation of4-[[8-acetyl-7-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxyl]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]butanoicacid

A solution of 1.7 g of4-[[8-acetyl-7-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]butanoicacid methyl ester and 30 ml of 1N sodium hydroxide in 60 ml of methanolwas stirred at reflux for 1 hour. The methanol was removed in vacuo andthe aqueous solution was acidified to pH 3. The gummy precipitate wasextracted with methylene chloride, the extract was washed with water,dried (magnesium sulfate) and concentrated in vacuo to an oil. The oilwas triturated with hexane-ether to yield 1.4 g, m.p. 71°-75° C. (85%)of4-[[8-acetyl-7-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]butanoicacid.

EXAMPLE 33

When [7-hydroxy-2-naphthalenyl)oxy]acetic acid methyl ester is reactedwith bis-(3-bromopropyl)ether in accordance with Example 3 and theproduct is then reacted with 1-(2,4-dihydroxy-3-propylphenyl)ethanone,in accordance with Example 4, an ester is obtained which can behydrolyzed to give[[7-[3-[3-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)propoxy]propoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid.

EXAMPLE 34

When 4-[(7-hydroxy-2-naphthalenyl)oxy]butanoic acid ethyl ester isreacted with bis-(3-bromopropyl)ether in accordance with Example 3 andthe product is then reacted with1-(2,4-dihydroxy-3-propylphenyl)ethanone in accordance with Example 4,an ester is obtained which can be hydrolyzed to give4-[[7-[3-[3-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)propoxy]propoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]butanoicacid.

EXAMPLE 35

When [(4-hydroxy-2-naphthalenyl)oxy]acetic acid methyl ester is reactedwith bis-(3-bromopropyl)ether in accordance with Example 3 and theproduct is then reacted with 1-(2,4-dihydroxy-3-propylphenyl)ethanone inaccordance with Example 4, an ester is obtained which can be hydrolyzedto give[[4-[3-[3-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)propoxy]propoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid.

EXAMPLE 36

When [(4-hydroxy-1-naphthalenyl)oxy]acetic acid methyl ester is reactedwith bis-(3-bromopropyl)ether in accordance with Example 3 and theproduct is then reacted with 1-(2,4-dihydroxy-3-propylphenyl)ethanone inaccordance with Example 4, an ester is obtained which can be hydrolyzedto give[[4-[3-[3-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)propoxy]propoxy]-1-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid.

EXAMPLE 37

When [(5-hydroxy-1-naphthalenyl)oxy]acetic acid methyl ester is reactedwith bis-(3-bromopropyl)ether in accordance with Example 3 and theproduct is then reacted with 1-(2,4-dihydroxy-3-propylphenyl)ethanone inaccordance with Example 4, an ester is obtained which can be hydrolyzedto give[[5-[3-[3-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)propoxy]propoxy]-1-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid.

EXAMPLE 38

When [(3-acetyl-4-hydroxy-1-naphthalenyl)oxy]acetic acid methyl ester isreacted with bis-(3-bromopropyl)ether in accordance with Example 3 andthe product, which[[3-acetyl-4-[3-(3-bromopropoxy)propoxy]-1-naphthalenyl]oxy]acetic acidmethyl ester, is then reacted with1-(2,4-dihydroxy-3-propylphenyl)ethanone in accordance with Example 4,an ester is obtained which can be hydrolyzed to give[[3-acetyl-4-[3-[3-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)propoxy]propoxy]-1-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid.

EXAMPLE 39

When [(6-acetyl-5-hydroxy-2-naphthalenyl)oxy]acetic acid methyl ester isreacted with bis-(3-bromopropyl)ether in accordance with Example 3 andthe product is then reacted with1-(2,4-dihydroxy-3-propylphenyl)ethanone in accordance with Example 4,an ester is obtained which can be hydrolyzed to give[[6-acetyl-5-[3-[3-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)propoxy]propoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid.

EXAMPLE 40

When [(7-acetyl-8-hydroxy-2-naphthalenyl)oxy]acetic acid methyl ester isreacted with bis[2-(2-bromoethoxy)ethyl]ether in accordance with Example12 and the product is then reacted with1-(2,4-dihydroxy-3-propylphenyl)ethanone in accordance with Example 13,an ester is obtained which can be hydrolyzed to give[[7-acetyl-8-[2-[2-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid.

EXAMPLE 41

When [(6-acetyl-5-hydroxy-1-naphthalenyl)oxy]acetic acid methyl ester isreacted with bis-(3-bromopropyl)ether in accordance with Example 3 andthe product is then reacted with1-(2,4-dihydroxy-3-propylphenyl)ethanone in accordance with Example 4,an ester is obtained which can be hydrolyzed to give[[6-acetyl-5-[3-[3-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)propoxy]propoxy]-1-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid.

EXAMPLE 42

    ______________________________________                                        CAPSULE FORMULATION                                                                      mg/capsule                                                         Ingredients  25 mg    50 mg    100 mg 200 mg                                  ______________________________________                                        [[8-acetyl-7-[3-                                                                           25           50       100      200                               [3-(4-acetyl-3-                                                               hydroxy-2-                                                                    propylphenoxy)                                                                propoxy]propoxy]-                                                             2-naphthalenyl]                                                               oxy] acetic acid                                                              Lactose      375          155      200      140                               Starch       30           30       35       40                                Talc         20           15       15       20                                Weight of    450    mg    250  mg  350  mg  400  mg                           capsule                                                                       ______________________________________                                    

Procedure:

Mix[[8-acetyl-7-[3-[3-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)propoxy]propoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid, lactose and starch in a suitable mixer. Mill. Add talc and mixwell. Encapsulate on suitable equipment.

EXAMPLE 43

    ______________________________________                                        TABLET FORMULATION                                                            (Wet granulation)                                                                       mg/tablet                                                           Ingredients 25 mg     50 mg    100 mg 200 mg                                  ______________________________________                                        [[8-acetyl-7-[3-                                                                          25            50       100      200                               [3-(4-acetyl-3-                                                               hydroxy-2-propyl-                                                             phenoxy)propoxy]                                                              propoxy]-2-                                                                   naphthalenyl]oxy]                                                             acetic acid.                                                                  Lactose     280           153      187      171                               Modified Starch                                                                           55            25       35       45                                Pregelatinized                                                                            35            20       25       30                                Starch                                                                        Distilled                                                                     water q.s.                                                                    Magnesium   5             2        3        4                                 Stearate                                                                      Weight of   400    mg     250  mg  350  mg  450  mg                           tablet                                                                        ______________________________________                                    

Procedure:

Mix,[[8-acetyl-7-[3-[3-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxypropoxy]propoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid, lactose, modified starch and pregelatinized starch in a suitablemixer. Granulate with sufficient distilled water to proper consistency.Mill. Dry in a suitable oven. Mill and mix with magnesium stearate for 3minutes. Compress on a suitable press equipped with appropriate punches.

EXAMPLE 44

    ______________________________________                                        TABLET FORMULATION                                                            (Direct Compression)                                                                                  mg/tablet                                             Ingredients             25 mg                                                 ______________________________________                                        [[8-acetyl-7-[3-[3-     25                                                    (4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-                                                        propylphenoxy)propoxy]                                                        propoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]                                                      oxy acetic acid.                                                              Lactose                 181                                                   Avicel                  55                                                    Direct Compression Starch                                                                             35                                                    Magnesium Stearate      4                                                     Weight of tablet        300    mg                                             ______________________________________                                    

Procedure:

Mix[[8-acetyl-7-[3-[3-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)propoxy]propoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid with an equal amount of lactose. Mix well. Mix with avicel anddirect compression starch, and the remaining amount of lactose. Mixwell. Add magnesium stearate and mix for 3 minutes. Compression on asuitable press equipped with appropriate punches.

I claim:
 1. A compound of the formula ##STR16## wherein R is hydrogen orlower alkyl, X is hydrogen or halogen, and A is the group ##STR17##wherein R₁ is hydrogen, acyl or lower alkyl, R₂ is hydrogen or loweralkyl, m is an integer from 2 to 4, n is an integer from 1 to 3, and tis an integer from 1 to 5, provided that R₁ is adjacent to --(CH₂)_(m)[O(CH₂)_(m) ]_(n) O--, and, when R₂ is hydrogen, a salt thereof with apharmaceutically acceptable base.
 2. A compound, in accordance withclaim 1, wherein A is ##STR18## wherein X is hydrogen, R is lower alkyl,R₁ is alkanoyl, and R₂ is hydrogen.
 3. A compound, in accordance withclaim 1, wherein A is ##STR19## wherein X is hydrogen, R is propyl, R₁is acetyl, R₂ is hydrogen, m is 2 or 3, and t is 1 or
 3. 4. A compound,in accordance with claim 1, wherein A is ##STR20## wherein X ishydrogen, R is propyl, R₂ is hydrogen, m is 2 or 3, and t is 1 or
 3. 5.The compound, in accordance with claim 1,[[8-acetyl-7-[3-[3-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)propoxy]propoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid.
 6. The compound, in accordance with claim 1,[[8-acetyl-7-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid.
 7. The compound, in accordance with claim 1,[[8-acetyl-7-[2-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid.
 8. The compound, in accordance with claim 1,[[8-acetyl-7-[2-[2-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]aceticacid.
 9. The compound, in accordance with claim 1,4-[[8-acetyl-7-[2-[2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]butanoicacid.
 10. A method of treating allergies which comprises administeringto a host requiring such treatment an effective amount of a compound ofthe formula ##STR21## wherein R is hydrogen or lower alkyl, X ishydrogen or halogen, and A is the group ##STR22## wherein R₁ ishydrogen, acyl or lower alkyl, R₂ is hydrogen or lower alkyl, m is aninteger from 2 to 4, n is an integer from 1 to 3, and t is an integerfrom 1 to 5, provided that R₁ is adjacent to --(CH₂)_(m) [O(CH₂)_(m)]_(n) O--, and when R₂ is hydrogen, a salt thereof with apharmaceutically acceptable base.
 11. A pharmaceutical compositioncomprising a compound of the formula ##STR23## wherein R is hydrogen orlower alkyl, X is hydrogen or halogen, and A is the grooup ##STR24##wherein R₁ is hydrogen, acyl or lower alkyl, R₂ is hydrogen or loweralkyl, m is an integer from 2 to 4, n is an integer from 1 to 3, and tis an integer from 1 to 5, provided that R₁ is adjacent to --(CH₂)_(m)[O(CH₂)_(m) ]_(n) O--, and when R₂ is hydrogen, a salt thereof with apharmaceutically acceptable base, and an inert pharmaceutical carrier.